I was SO impressed today! You all came prepared with your rough drafts and worked through our first attempt at peer review like troopers!
After this week, we only have two more weeks of classes before finals! Time is flying! Keep up the good work!
I collected your then/than sentences and then we did peer review. I know it's a little scary at first to be having someone else read your writing. You just completed a very brave task and you should be extremely proud of yourselves!
Friday will be used to clean up your rough drafts and push through the modules you have left at the Writing Center. I'll collect your final drafts and all working documents on Monday. Also don't forget the comma worksheets if you didn't turn those in today.
Let me know if you have ANY questions! GREAT JOB TODAY!!!!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Monday
I think I overdosed on jelly beans this weekend. I needed some extra coffee this afternoon.
I apologize for the confusion with the worksheets. I realized that some of you didn't get the two-sided worksheets. Everything should be ironed out now. You may turn the new ones in this Wednesday, or I will allow until Monday to finish, since it was my mistake.
We went over then/than in class. Your assignment is to write two sentences for each word, for a total of four sentences.
Then we did a seven minute focused free write with the topic "If there is one piece of advice you could give to your younger self, what would it be?" or "If I knew then...."
Marc and Dustyn shared their pieces with us. Thanks, guys!
For Wednesday: develop and type this up. Your end result should be half a page to a full page in length, typed. Bring this Wednesday to work in a peer review session. Friday will be spent doing a final revision so that Monday you should turn in your final draft, rough draft, and free write from today (I call these your WORKING DOCUMENTS).
At the end of class we started a sentences revision worksheet from our definition papers.
WOW! You all accomplished SO much today! Thanks for working hard and being focused! Well done!
Please also start reading through chapter 16 in your book. This talks about punctuation. There is some really great information in here. As always, let me know if you have any questions/concerns!
I apologize for the confusion with the worksheets. I realized that some of you didn't get the two-sided worksheets. Everything should be ironed out now. You may turn the new ones in this Wednesday, or I will allow until Monday to finish, since it was my mistake.
We went over then/than in class. Your assignment is to write two sentences for each word, for a total of four sentences.
Then we did a seven minute focused free write with the topic "If there is one piece of advice you could give to your younger self, what would it be?" or "If I knew then...."
Marc and Dustyn shared their pieces with us. Thanks, guys!
For Wednesday: develop and type this up. Your end result should be half a page to a full page in length, typed. Bring this Wednesday to work in a peer review session. Friday will be spent doing a final revision so that Monday you should turn in your final draft, rough draft, and free write from today (I call these your WORKING DOCUMENTS).
At the end of class we started a sentences revision worksheet from our definition papers.
WOW! You all accomplished SO much today! Thanks for working hard and being focused! Well done!
Please also start reading through chapter 16 in your book. This talks about punctuation. There is some really great information in here. As always, let me know if you have any questions/concerns!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Commas!
Does anyone else have spring fever going on? Apparently, we are in for rain for the rest of the week. Hang in there! The sun will come out tomorrow, or the next day, or the next!
I collected the sentences for suppose/supposed to.
We went over the sentence revision worksheet from your how-to papers. WOW! I was impressed by the work you did! Well done!
Then we went over commas a bit more. I gave a handout out for you to have as a resource for some of the most common comma usage. Keep in mind, it is NOT intended to replace your reading of the chapter in the book, or the website I asked you to take a look at.
For next class, complete the comma worksheets I gave you at the end of today's class. You should refer to the handout, website, and especially your book. If you feel like you need more practice, the exercises in the book would be good. As always, I am here for you as well.
I collected the sentences for suppose/supposed to.
We went over the sentence revision worksheet from your how-to papers. WOW! I was impressed by the work you did! Well done!
Then we went over commas a bit more. I gave a handout out for you to have as a resource for some of the most common comma usage. Keep in mind, it is NOT intended to replace your reading of the chapter in the book, or the website I asked you to take a look at.
For next class, complete the comma worksheets I gave you at the end of today's class. You should refer to the handout, website, and especially your book. If you feel like you need more practice, the exercises in the book would be good. As always, I am here for you as well.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Happy Day Before My Birthday!
Today I collected your revision papers. Based on our discussion, it sounded like it was a good experience for everyone. I look forward to reading them! Thank you for your continued hard work here!
We went over the difference between suppose and supposed to. This can be found on page 252 in your book. There are sample sentences you can look at.
For Wednesday: write two sentences using each word correctly, for a total of FOUR sentences.
The rest of class was spent finishing up the revision worksheet from our how-to papers. We'll probably finish going over this on Wednesday.
Also for Wednesday, read chapter 15 and read THIS LINK on commas.
We went over the difference between suppose and supposed to. This can be found on page 252 in your book. There are sample sentences you can look at.
For Wednesday: write two sentences using each word correctly, for a total of FOUR sentences.
The rest of class was spent finishing up the revision worksheet from our how-to papers. We'll probably finish going over this on Wednesday.
Also for Wednesday, read chapter 15 and read THIS LINK on commas.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Revision Plan
Monday I collected your definition pieces and reviewed their/they're/there. I also discussed the importance of reading through the book and this website AGAIN. We went over to/too/two and you were to write two sentences using each one correctly.
Today I collected the to/to/two sentences and then we covered a little bit of the revision process. Some of this was introduced back in chapter one. Now that we've been writing for a while, it is important to cover again.
Your assignment is to revise TWO of your pieces of writing from earlier in the semester. There is a Revision Priority Checklist on page 16 that will be very helpful in coming up with your revision plan.
Look at the areas of content, organization, style, and mechanics.
On Monday I will collect your revisions AND your original pieces.
The last part of class was spent going over the sentence revision worksheet from the how-to papers.
Have a great weekend!
Today I collected the to/to/two sentences and then we covered a little bit of the revision process. Some of this was introduced back in chapter one. Now that we've been writing for a while, it is important to cover again.
Your assignment is to revise TWO of your pieces of writing from earlier in the semester. There is a Revision Priority Checklist on page 16 that will be very helpful in coming up with your revision plan.
Look at the areas of content, organization, style, and mechanics.
On Monday I will collect your revisions AND your original pieces.
The last part of class was spent going over the sentence revision worksheet from the how-to papers.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday's Questions
Remember that today is workshop day. Do not report to ATB. You are free to work where/when you choose today, as long as you have everything completed by 2:00 on Monday. If this is your first time visiting this site, it would be a good idea to start at the beginning and work your way back. It will be good review! If you haven't already realized, it is impossible to cover everything in our 50 minutes of class. That is why it is extremely important for you to be reading your text book and checking here for additional information. I have posted links to websites and some of the notes from class that are important for you to remember.
The exercises from the chapters in your book will be very useful in helping you understand and put into practice what you are learning/reviewing. You may also benefit from some one on one help in the Writing Center. If you are confused or unhappy with the results you've been getting, try something different!
I also want to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading ANYTHING will help your writing! If you have not been reading your textbook, get busy.
On to the questions for your assignment. There are five questions that are worth six points each (for a total of 30 points). This will require you to read through past posts and probably click on some links for further reading to locate the answers.
Remember that your definition piece is due Monday, along with your free write from Wednesday's class. FYI, yesterday I was notified that a faculty member from the English department will be observing class on Monday. I get an observation once a semester, so this is no cause for alarm or anything I'm worried about. I just wanted you to know.
Have a wonderful weekend! It's supposed to be warm and sunny!
The exercises from the chapters in your book will be very useful in helping you understand and put into practice what you are learning/reviewing. You may also benefit from some one on one help in the Writing Center. If you are confused or unhappy with the results you've been getting, try something different!
I also want to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading ANYTHING will help your writing! If you have not been reading your textbook, get busy.
On to the questions for your assignment. There are five questions that are worth six points each (for a total of 30 points). This will require you to read through past posts and probably click on some links for further reading to locate the answers.
- What are the four basic groups to which parts of speech belong, and what are the eight parts of speech?
- What are seven easy steps to becoming a comma superhero? The next question is related to this one, so read on.
- Write one sentence as an example for each of the steps mentioned above (for a total of seven sentences). When you find the answers for number two, use the examples given to you as a models for the sentences you write. Sometimes the best way to gain an understanding of something is to model it. Example: If I wanted to model the sentence Jennifer wants to go to the store after school, but she has no money. I would keep the same structure, but maybe change the nouns and verbs. The result could be: Dustyn wants to go to Barley's after school, but he has to work. Make sense?
- What is a phrase AND what are the nine types of phrases?
- Tell me the three patterns in writing that use coordinating conjunctions AND write on sentence for each. Again, use the examples given as models for your own sentences.
Remember that your definition piece is due Monday, along with your free write from Wednesday's class. FYI, yesterday I was notified that a faculty member from the English department will be observing class on Monday. I get an observation once a semester, so this is no cause for alarm or anything I'm worried about. I just wanted you to know.
Have a wonderful weekend! It's supposed to be warm and sunny!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunshine!
Is it just me or are our classes going by faster and faster every week?
I have to say, I am so impressed with the thought and creativity you all have been showing the last couple weeks! I know it's not always easy (or fun), but you won't regret the hard work you do in this class; I promise.
Today we did a free write based on chapter 28 (definition), where we chose something we knew well and tried to define it. What does it mean? What does it mean to YOU? Read through the chapter in the text book as you write this piece. Some things that may be helpful as you get started are to look up the definition in the dictionary, thinking about what your topic is NOT, and comparing it to something else.
Remember that Friday is workshop time. You should use this time to work on this piece of writing, because a typed, polished piece is due on Monday. Please also bring your free write from today and turn this in with your typed paper so you may receive credit for the work in class.
You should also read through this weblog before Monday. On Friday I will post FIVE questions for you to answer, requiring you to go back through the weblog and read some posts. Write these answers on a sheet of paper, put your name on it, and bring it to turn in on Monday.
We started another sentence revision worksheet at the end of class today, but didn't get too far. Please keep these for working together on Monday.
Lastly, we're going to spend some time next week talking about revision. Please bring copies of all of your typed pieces from this semester. We'll be looking through them and choosing two to revise. Remember that it doesn't have to be the exact copy that I graded (though that would be helpful for you). If you lost the one I graded but have a copy saved on your computer, just print a new one up and bring that.
As always, after you read your book and the weblog, if you are ever confused or need help with ANYTHING, please let me know. I'm more than willing to work with you one on one.
I have to say, I am so impressed with the thought and creativity you all have been showing the last couple weeks! I know it's not always easy (or fun), but you won't regret the hard work you do in this class; I promise.
Today we did a free write based on chapter 28 (definition), where we chose something we knew well and tried to define it. What does it mean? What does it mean to YOU? Read through the chapter in the text book as you write this piece. Some things that may be helpful as you get started are to look up the definition in the dictionary, thinking about what your topic is NOT, and comparing it to something else.
Remember that Friday is workshop time. You should use this time to work on this piece of writing, because a typed, polished piece is due on Monday. Please also bring your free write from today and turn this in with your typed paper so you may receive credit for the work in class.
You should also read through this weblog before Monday. On Friday I will post FIVE questions for you to answer, requiring you to go back through the weblog and read some posts. Write these answers on a sheet of paper, put your name on it, and bring it to turn in on Monday.
We started another sentence revision worksheet at the end of class today, but didn't get too far. Please keep these for working together on Monday.
Lastly, we're going to spend some time next week talking about revision. Please bring copies of all of your typed pieces from this semester. We'll be looking through them and choosing two to revise. Remember that it doesn't have to be the exact copy that I graded (though that would be helpful for you). If you lost the one I graded but have a copy saved on your computer, just print a new one up and bring that.
As always, after you read your book and the weblog, if you are ever confused or need help with ANYTHING, please let me know. I'm more than willing to work with you one on one.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Windy April Monday
I hope everyone had a great weekend! It was so nice to see the sun!
Today I collected your past/passed sentences. We then went over their/there/they're. For Wednesday, write two sentences correctly using each word. This means you should come with a total of six sentences.
The rest of class was spent going over the worksheet on identifying fragment sentences. I know this can be confusing and requires a lot of hard work. You all did a great job!
Please spend some time going through the most recent posts and reading the necessary chapters in your book. This will make our time in class more productive because everyone will be prepared with the background information.
FOR WEDNESDAY: In addition to writing the six sentences, read chapter 28 --starts on p.408.
As always, if you have any questions please ask.
Today I collected your past/passed sentences. We then went over their/there/they're. For Wednesday, write two sentences correctly using each word. This means you should come with a total of six sentences.
The rest of class was spent going over the worksheet on identifying fragment sentences. I know this can be confusing and requires a lot of hard work. You all did a great job!
Please spend some time going through the most recent posts and reading the necessary chapters in your book. This will make our time in class more productive because everyone will be prepared with the background information.
FOR WEDNESDAY: In addition to writing the six sentences, read chapter 28 --starts on p.408.
As always, if you have any questions please ask.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Foggy Friday
I'm preparing this post before class so I can reference it when we are together today.
***We didn't get through as much as I had planned today, but I still want you to read through this post (and at some point the rest of the blog.***
Remember that we will meet in ATB 132 on Monday and Wednesday next week. Friday is workshop day.
Our commonly confused words lesson for this week is past vs passed. For Monday, write THREE complete sentences using each word correctly. This means write three sentences using PAST and another three using PASSED, for a total of SIX sentences.
We'll finish going over the sentence revision worksheet that you completed on Wednesday and spend some more time discussing editing and proofreading.
Finally, we'll begin looking at chapters 9 & 10 on conjunctions and prepositions and phrases.
These links may be helpful to review in clarifying the difference between coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
Here are some great exercises to test yourself on prepositions (once you click, scroll down a little).
Test yourself on conjunctions here.
FOR MONDAY: read chapters 9 & 10. You should also read through this post and spend time going through the links; it will reinforce what you've read in the book. Don't forget to write your sentences for Monday as well. For bonus points, on a piece of paper, tell me why proofreading is important. Turn this in as soon as you come to class Monday for the extra points.
***We didn't get through as much as I had planned today, but I still want you to read through this post (and at some point the rest of the blog.***
Remember that we will meet in ATB 132 on Monday and Wednesday next week. Friday is workshop day.
Our commonly confused words lesson for this week is past vs passed. For Monday, write THREE complete sentences using each word correctly. This means write three sentences using PAST and another three using PASSED, for a total of SIX sentences.
We'll finish going over the sentence revision worksheet that you completed on Wednesday and spend some more time discussing editing and proofreading.
Finally, we'll begin looking at chapters 9 & 10 on conjunctions and prepositions and phrases.
These links may be helpful to review in clarifying the difference between coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
Here are some great exercises to test yourself on prepositions (once you click, scroll down a little).
Test yourself on conjunctions here.
FOR MONDAY: read chapters 9 & 10. You should also read through this post and spend time going through the links; it will reinforce what you've read in the book. Don't forget to write your sentences for Monday as well. For bonus points, on a piece of paper, tell me why proofreading is important. Turn this in as soon as you come to class Monday for the extra points.
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